OK, that covers quite a range.
Driving is fun as soon as you switch your senses to the "other" side of the road.
For alpine scenery, glaciers, mountains, that sort of thing, look to the south of the south island.
For Hawai-like subtropical scenery look to the north of the north island, where the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
are a hugely rewarding attraction. See www.waitangi.org.nz
There's a scenic train that goes up and over from Christchurch, www.kiwirailscenic.co.nz/tranzalpine
Rotorua is a popular spot - it stinks of sulphur, for miles when the wind blows, but if you can handle that, the
boiling mud etc. might amuse you.
We liked the museum in the former bath house and resort, quite a stunning buiiding,
www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz/
Not far from there is the pretty Lake Taupo.
In Wellington the Te Papa museum is a must.
Napier is a neat town, all rebuilt, after a fire, in art nouveau style. Go up on the Bluff Hill lookout, and
if wine is of interest, there's plenty being grown nearby.
And so it goes - lots of good memories from several trips, off the top of my head.
Guidebooks are highly recommended - it is not a big country but you need to read up and form a plan.